10881269

Activation Control Method for a Battery-Powered Medical Apparatus

PublishedJanuary 5, 2021
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
9 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A battery-powered medical apparatus comprising: a first memory configured to store a first program; a second memory configured to store a second program, which is different than the first program; and a processor configured to: execute activation of the battery-powered medical apparatus by executing the first program stored in the first memory in response to receiving an activation instruction; in response to the activation of the battery-powered medical apparatus failing to complete within a first predetermined period of time from start of executing activation by the first program, switch a program from the first program to the second program, and execute the activation of the battery-powered medical apparatus by executing the second program stored in the second memory; and transmit a signal to a battery to control power supply from the battery and stop the power supply from the battery to the battery-powered medical apparatus in response to the activation executed by the second program failing to complete within a second predetermined period of time after executing the activation by the second program, such that the battery-powered medical apparatus does not receive power supply from the battery upon the second program failing to complete within the second predetermined period of time.

Plain English Translation

A battery-powered medical apparatus includes redundant activation programs to ensure reliable startup. The device has two separate memory units storing distinct activation programs. Upon receiving an activation instruction, the processor first executes the first program to initiate the device. If this activation process fails to complete within a predefined time limit, the system automatically switches to the second program and attempts activation again. If the second program also fails to complete within another predefined time limit, the processor transmits a signal to the battery, cutting off power to the device. This dual-program redundancy prevents prolonged power consumption or malfunction if the primary activation program fails, ensuring safety and reliability in medical applications where consistent operation is critical. The system avoids indefinite power draw by enforcing strict time limits for each activation attempt, protecting both the device and the user from potential hazards.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The battery-powered medical apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to transmit the signal to the battery to control the power supply from the battery so that electric power from the battery is continuously supplied to the battery-powered medical apparatus in response to the activation by the first program being completed within the first predetermined period of time, or in response to the activation by the second program being completed within the second predetermined period of time.

Plain English Translation

A battery-powered medical apparatus includes a processor configured to manage power supply from a battery based on the execution of programs. The apparatus operates in a medical domain, where reliable and efficient power management is critical for device functionality. The processor monitors the activation and completion of two distinct programs within specified time periods. If the first program completes activation within a first predetermined time, or the second program completes activation within a second predetermined time, the processor ensures continuous power supply from the battery to the apparatus. This control mechanism prevents unnecessary power interruptions, maintaining device operation during critical medical procedures. The system avoids power disruptions that could compromise patient safety or device performance, addressing the need for stable power delivery in medical applications. The processor's role in dynamically adjusting power supply based on program execution ensures optimal energy use while sustaining uninterrupted functionality. This approach enhances reliability in battery-powered medical devices, particularly where consistent power is essential for accurate and safe operation.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The battery-powered medical apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to rewrite at least part of the first program based on data stored in the second program in response to the activation by the second program being completed within the second predetermined period of time.

Plain English Translation

A battery-powered medical apparatus includes a processor configured to execute a first program for controlling medical functions and a second program for activating or deactivating the first program. The second program is designed to activate the first program only if a specific condition is met within a predetermined time period. If the activation by the second program is completed within a second predetermined time period, the processor rewrites at least part of the first program based on data stored in the second program. This allows the medical apparatus to dynamically update its operational logic in response to time-sensitive conditions, ensuring proper functionality and safety. The second program may include additional logic to verify the integrity or validity of the data before rewriting the first program, preventing unauthorized or corrupted modifications. The apparatus may also include a power management system to optimize battery usage during these operations. This design is particularly useful in medical devices where timely and secure updates are critical for patient safety and device reliability.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The battery-powered medical apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second memory is removable from the battery-powered medical apparatus, and the second memory is part of a storage medium that stores image data.

Plain English Translation

A battery-powered medical apparatus is designed to capture and store medical images, such as those from imaging devices like ultrasound or X-ray systems. The apparatus includes a first memory for storing operational data and a second memory for storing image data. The second memory is removable, allowing for easy transfer and backup of image data. This removable storage medium enables medical professionals to securely store and transport large volumes of image data without relying on internal storage, addressing challenges related to limited onboard storage capacity and data portability in medical imaging systems. The removable memory ensures that image data can be safely archived, shared, or analyzed on external devices, improving workflow efficiency and data management in clinical settings. The apparatus may also include features such as encryption or authentication to protect sensitive medical data during storage and transfer. This design enhances flexibility and reliability in medical imaging applications where data integrity and accessibility are critical.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The battery-powered medical apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a function implemented by the second program is part of a plurality of functions implemented by the first program.

Plain English Translation

A battery-powered medical apparatus includes a processor, a battery, and a memory storing a first program and a second program. The first program is configured to perform a primary medical function, such as monitoring or treating a patient condition. The second program is configured to perform a secondary function, such as data logging, communication, or user interface management. The second program operates independently of the first program, allowing the medical apparatus to continue performing critical functions even if the second program fails or is disabled. The apparatus may include a power management system to optimize battery usage, ensuring reliable operation during power fluctuations. The second program's function is part of a set of functions implemented by the first program, meaning it shares some operational overlap or dependencies with the primary function. This design enhances system robustness by isolating critical operations while maintaining functional integration where necessary. The apparatus may also include safety mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access or tampering with the programs. The invention addresses the need for reliable, battery-powered medical devices that can maintain essential functions under varying conditions.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The battery-powered medical apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second program includes an update program.

Plain English Translation

A battery-powered medical apparatus is designed to provide portable and reliable medical functionality, such as monitoring or treatment, while operating on battery power. A key challenge in such devices is ensuring they remain functional and up-to-date without requiring frequent recharging or manual updates. To address this, the apparatus includes a second program that incorporates an update program. This update program enables the device to receive and install software updates wirelessly, ensuring that the apparatus maintains optimal performance, security, and compliance with medical standards. The updates may include firmware upgrades, bug fixes, or new features that enhance the device's functionality. By integrating the update program into the second program, the apparatus can autonomously or remotely update its software, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing downtime. This ensures that the medical apparatus remains reliable and effective over time, even in environments where frequent maintenance is impractical. The update program may also verify the integrity and authenticity of the updates to prevent unauthorized or corrupted software from being installed, thereby maintaining the device's safety and reliability.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The battery-powered medical apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first memory and the second memory are provided in an identical memory chip.

Plain English Translation

A battery-powered medical apparatus includes a first memory and a second memory, both integrated into a single memory chip. The first memory stores operational parameters and settings for the apparatus, while the second memory stores diagnostic data and usage logs. The apparatus is designed to operate in a medical environment, where reliability and data integrity are critical. By consolidating both types of data into one memory chip, the device reduces hardware complexity, minimizes power consumption, and ensures data consistency. The memory chip is configured to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring patient data security. The apparatus may include additional features such as wireless communication for remote monitoring and a user interface for local configuration. The integrated memory design simplifies manufacturing and maintenance while maintaining high performance and reliability in medical applications.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. An activation control method for a battery-powered medical apparatus including a processor configured to control power supply from a battery and switch a program that is executed by the processor, the method comprising: first executing, by the processor, activation by a first program stored in a first memory in response to receiving an activation instruction; in response to the activation of the battery-powered medical apparatus failing to complete within a first predetermined period of time from start of executing activation by the first program, switching, by the processor, a program from the first program to the second program stored in a second memory, and execute the activation of the battery-powered medical apparatus by executing the second program; and transmitting, by the processor, a signal to the battery to control the power supply from the battery so that the power supply from the battery to the battery-powered medical apparatus is stopped in response to the activation by the second program failing to complete within a second predetermined period of time after executing the activation by the second program, such that the battery-powered medical apparatus does not receive power supply from the battery upon the second program failing to complete within the second predetermined period of time.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to activation control methods for battery-powered medical devices, addressing the risk of activation failures that could lead to unsafe operation or battery drain. The method involves a processor that manages power supply from the battery and switches between programs to ensure reliable activation. Initially, the processor executes a first program stored in a first memory upon receiving an activation instruction. If activation does not complete within a first predetermined time, the processor switches to a second program stored in a second memory and attempts activation again. If the second program also fails to complete activation within a second predetermined time, the processor transmits a signal to the battery to stop power supply, preventing the device from operating on a failed activation. This ensures the medical device either activates successfully or remains inactive, avoiding unsafe conditions or unnecessary battery depletion. The method includes redundant activation attempts and a fail-safe power cutoff to enhance reliability in critical medical applications.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. A battery-powered medical apparatus comprising: a first memory configured to store a first program that controls normal operation of the battery-powered medical apparatus; a second memory configured to store a second program, which is different than the first program, the second program controlling a limited operation compared to the first program that reduces functionality of the battery-powered medical apparatus; and a processor configured to: receive an activation instruction controlling the processor to perform activation of the battery-powered medical apparatus; activate the battery-powered medical apparatus by executing the first program stored in the first memory in response to receiving the activation instruction; upon elapse of a first predetermined period of time, which starts when the first program is executed, determine whether the activation of the battery-powered medical apparatus is complete; in response to the activation of the battery-powered medical apparatus failing to complete within the first predetermined period of time, switch activation from the first program to the second program, and activate the battery-powered medical apparatus by executing the second program stored in the second memory; upon elapse of a second predetermined period of time, which starts when the second program is executed, determine whether the activation of the battery-powered medical apparatus is complete; in response to the battery-powered medical apparatus being activated within the second predetermined period of time, perform an update of the first program by rewriting at least a portion of the first program based on updated code stored in the second memory; and in response to the activation of the battery-powered medical apparatus failing to complete within the second predetermined period of time, stop performing the activation of the battery-powered medical apparatus, and transmit a signal to the battery to control power supply from a battery to stop the power supply to the battery-powered medical apparatus, such that the battery-powered medical apparatus does not receive power supply from the battery upon the second program failing to complete within the second predetermined period of time.

Plain English Translation

A battery-powered medical apparatus includes a first memory storing a primary program for normal operation and a second memory storing a secondary program with reduced functionality. A processor executes the primary program upon receiving an activation instruction. If the apparatus fails to fully activate within a first predetermined time, the processor switches to the secondary program. If activation completes within a second predetermined time using the secondary program, the primary program is updated with code from the secondary memory. If activation fails within the second time, the processor stops activation and signals the battery to cut power, preventing further operation. This system ensures safe activation by falling back to a limited-functionality mode if the primary program fails, while allowing recovery through updates if the secondary program succeeds. The design addresses reliability in medical devices by preventing prolonged activation failures and ensuring power is only supplied when the device is operational.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

January 5, 2021

Inventors

Yuichi TOMII
Hidetsugu TAKAHASHI
Katsuhiko NAMETA
Hirotaka AKIBA

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Cite as: Patentable. “ACTIVATION CONTROL METHOD FOR A BATTERY-POWERED MEDICAL APPARATUS” (10881269). https://patentable.app/patents/10881269

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ACTIVATION CONTROL METHOD FOR A BATTERY-POWERED MEDICAL APPARATUS